Brightmaple

THE GLORY OF HOGTHORN

by Laura Mattas

The song sung by the lands were solemn and dreary when the world was enshrouded by Elriek’s evil. War, great and terrible ravaged the island. Soliders of rotted flesh and bare bones feasted upon villages reducing them to nothing more than dust. In the elven village of Colhav, a legend was being created. The great leader Hogthorn fearing what fate should befall his beloved people should Elriek turn to the east decided to set up guards to the border. He wished not to force his people into sacrifice, grief of the loss of his own son in combat led him to take only those who volunteered to protect the fields and hills surrounding Colhav. For longer than a moon cycle Hogthorn and his army stood unmoving at the border, awaiting any signs of the enemy. Hunger and fear threatened to turn back his men but he would not stray. His troops dwindled in numbers until at last only he remained. Spirits of the soil and plaine took pity upon him, and in the form of a wood elk came to him. It was then he proclaimed the saftey of his people over that of his being. The spirit taking kindly to him accepted his wish and went off. In the next three days as he stood, his limbs grew heavy and stiff and his feet rooted themselves in the earth. He grew several feet high, and raised his arms to now almost touch the heavens. The following day he was now not of eleven form but stood proud as a strong Maple. From the earth thousands of trees grew forming a protective forest of maplewood soldiers to protect the village. Hogthorn stood at the ready when Elriek’s undead army finally approached. Soldier upon soldier tried to pass through the forest but the trees had lifted their roots creating an impenetrable wall of brambles and thorns.Enchantments from the wood spirits made it so that Hogthorn would never burn. Elreik eventually called back his troops to conquer other areas. Colhav was saved and since then any offering threats would face a terrifying fate in the woods, but to those seeking sanctuary and peace, they passed through with ease. Hogthorn is celebrated as the hero of Brightmaple, and in his honor long bows are crafted from the maplewood and used in protection of his thriving and great city.

The Econ Island classroom economic and government simulation (2005 - 2014) is the intellectual property of Michael R. Mosall II. All rights reserved. All lessons, graphics, ideas, and game mechanics belong to him. No reproduction of these materials without permission is permitted.